Read the important 'REAL FOOD' news and articles today!

Are Bedbugs Considered a Health Risk?

Bedbugs are considered as parasitic creatures that live off on its host’s blood. They gorge themselves on blood and cause itchy bumps. Bedbug infestation may be a very common problem. However, it is fast becoming an alarming one, particularly since there are an increasing number of homeowners reporting bedbug infestation. This raises then the question of whether or not bedbugs can be considered as health risk.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention

As mentioned earlier, there are a growing number of homeowners complaining of bedbug infestation. The most common reason for this increasing prevalence is because it is so much easier nowadays for people to travel from one place to another. Since bedbugs are considered as pests that can “hitchhike” a ride on someone’s luggage, the unsuspecting victim may bring home with him a host of bedbugs that can invade his home and start their own colony.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, bedbugs are not considered as health risk. They are not considered as a public health hazard, nor are they considered as medical hazard. Bedbugs do not spread any dangerous diseases, but their bite though can cause severe itching. However, they also cause some problems.

Secondary Skin Infection

The reaction to the bedbug bite differs. Some people experience a day or two of severe itching of the bitten site, while some experience itching that can last for more than a couple of days to weeks. However, one of the reasons why the effects of bedbug bites can last this long is because the individual scratched the bitten areas excessively, thus, exacerbating the effects. Because of excessively scratching the affected areas, the bitten sites become skin lesions that, if left untreated, can also lead to secondary skin infections. If this happens, the person may need more than just a simple antibacterial ointment to speed up the process of healing.

Allergic Reaction

A dangerous effect of bedbug bites is an allergic reaction. However, an allergic reaction caused by bedbug bites is not that very common. In fact, this is very rare.

When a bedbug bites its victim, its saliva is transmitted to its host. Now, there are several proteins in the bedbug saliva that can cause an allergic reaction, and the human body perceives these proteins as an allergen. So when the proteins enter the bloodstream, the body immediately goes into an attack mode, sending its immune cells to attack the alien protein. This process then causes severe itching on the bitten site with some swelling and inflammation. In addition to this, the individual will also break out in hives and experience some asthma-like symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, etc. An anaphylactic reaction to bedbug bites warrants quick medical attention to stop the allergic effects of the bites.

Sleepless Nights

Bedbug bites also cause sleepless nights. This is because of the annoying itchy bumps that cause a person to toss and turn in bed. After all, who can sleep that well when your back, arms, and legs are itching?

You need to get rid of bedbugs immediately after you’ve detected and confirmed their presence. However, the only way that you can get rid of them completely is if you avail of the services of a professional pest control company. This is especially true if the infestation has become too severe for simple pest control methods.

The author, Jennifer Dabney, writes for Affordable Pest Control Maryland. She regularly contributes articles regarding pests and how to detect and control different types of pests.

Navigation

STAY INFORMED!

Get breaking news alerts on GMO's, fluoride, superfoods, natural cures and many more...

Name

Email *

Medical Disclaimer

Statements on Get Holistic Health about health issues aren't meant to identify, treat, cure, or protect against illness. For those who have a health problem of any sort speak with your health care specialist. Material shown by Get Holistic Health is for educational purposes only and isn't meant to substitute for the recommendation of a doctor and other medical professional.